Unemployment Benefit in Spain: Types, Requirements, and How to Apply

Unemployment benefit in Spain refers to the economic and welfare benefits designed to support individuals who have lost their jobs or do not have sufficient income. Their goal is to ensure a minimum level of income while the beneficiary seeks new employment or improves their professional training.

This guide will cover the main types of unemployment benefits, the requirements to access each one, and the procedure for applying for them.

Types of Unemployment Benefit in Spain

Unemployment benefits are divided into two main categories:

1. Contributory Unemployment Benefit (El Paro):
   • For those who have contributed for at least 360 days in the last six years.
   • The amount depends on your contribution bases, and the duration is calculated based on the days you’ve contributed.
   • The maximum and minimum amounts are regulated by law and are updated every year.
2. Unemployment Subsidies:
   • These are welfare benefits for those who have exhausted their contributory benefit or are not entitled to it but meet certain requirements. Some examples include:
     • Subsidy for insufficient contributions.
     • Subsidy for family support.
     • Subsidy for those over 45.
     • Subsidy for those over 52.
     • Subsidy for disability benefit review.
3. Extraordinary Benefits:
   • Targeted at groups with special difficulties in finding employment:
     • Active Integration Income (RAI): For long-term unemployed individuals, people with disabilities, victims of gender or domestic violence, and returning emigrants.
     • Extraordinary Unemployment Subsidy (SED): For those who have exhausted all other benefits and meet income and family-burden requirements.

General Requirements for Accessing Unemployment Benefit

Although each benefit has specific requirements, most of them require you to:

• Be in a legal situation of unemployment.
• Be registered as a job seeker and renew your card periodically.
• Not exceed the established income limit (75% of the minimum interprofessional salary for subsidies).
• Comply with the obligations of actively seeking employment and participating in training.

How to Apply for Unemployment Benefit

The procedure is carried out through the Public Employment Service (SEPE) and can be done in several ways:

1. Online (Recommended):
   • Go to the SEPE’s E-Office.
   • Fill out the form corresponding to the benefit or subsidy.
   • Identify yourself with a digital certificate, electronic ID, or the Cl@ve system.
2. In Person:
   • Schedule a prior appointment at a SEPE office.
   • Present the required documentation (DNI/NIE, company certificate, proof of income, etc.).

Deadlines to Apply

• Contributory benefit: Within 15 business days following the last day worked.
• Subsidies: Within 15 business days from the moment you meet the requirements (for example, after your contributory benefit is exhausted).

If you apply late, SEPE will deduct the late days from the total time granted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I collect multiple unemployment benefits at the same time?

No. You can only receive one unemployment benefit at a time, although you can apply for different ones in succession if you meet the requirements for each.

Are unemployment benefits taxable?

Yes, they are considered employment income and must be included in your tax return.

Can I apply for unemployment benefits if I work part-time?

In some cases, yes, but the amount will be reduced proportionally to the hours you work.

In short, unemployment benefit in Spain is a key financial support for those who have lost their jobs. Knowing the types available, their requirements, and the deadlines for applying is essential to accessing them without any setbacks.We offer labor, tax, and accounting advisory services tailored to your needs.

If you require personalized assistance to manage your labor obligations, at  Entre Trámites we offer management and tax advisory services for freelancers and SMEs. You can contact us through this contact form for us to call you, or if you prefer, you can schedule a free consultation or write to us on WhatsApp.